DC Government Service Opportunities & Resources

As the District government agency dedicated to promoting service as an innovative, sustainable solution to meet community needs, Serve DC is proud to connect DC residents with meaningful volunteer opportunities in every Ward of the city. In addition to our community-based partner opportunities and events, DC government also has many opportunities to serve your community through various agencies and initiatives.

Volunteer opportunities are available at the following DC government agencies:

Numerous volunteer opportunities exist within the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Community volunteers are essential, for example, at the International Film Festival, the Poet Laureate's Poetry Festival, the Larry Neal Writers' Awards and the Mayor's Arts Awards.

DC Public Library offers regular and periodic volunteer opportunities for ages 14 and up. Whether you're new in town, a longtime DC resident, club, college student or library professional, we look forward to hearing from you!

DCPS welcomes volunteers who want to use their skills and resources to help our students succeed. There is a wide range of volunteer opportunities available. Volunteers who work directly with students on a regular basis are required to complete DCPS' clearance process.

The District of Columbia Youth Advisory Council (DCYAC) was established to provide an organized youth perspective regarding various issues to the Mayor, the Council of the District of Columbia, District of Columbia Public Schools, public charter schools, key decision makers in the District of Columbia government, officials and community leaders. Members of the DCYAC have a background in community-based activities with a sincere interest in and motivation to work for the community. As youth leaders, they bring real and fresh perspectives about youth issues, and act as effective communicators between the District and their home communities.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is present and active in neighborhoods and communities across the District and is proud to draw a large amount of community involvement and support through partnerships and volunteers.

Solid Waste Management, Education & Enforcement Program (SWEEP)

Keeping DC clean is a team effort, involving city government, residents and businesses, and DPW provides the tools for everyone to get on board. The Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program (SWEEP) is responsible for sanitation education and enforcement, and provides a variety of services to District residents to combat illegal dumping, clean up vacant lots, and support neighborhood clean-ups.

Reserve Corps

MPD's Reserve Corps Division makes significant contributions to MPD and the community through volunteer public safety initiatives. Reserve officers perform all duties and responsibilities of a sworn officer, pursuant to applicable Department directives and policies.

Citizen Volunteer Corps

MPD's Citizen Volunteer Corps provides civilians an opportunity to assist with the daily operations of the Metropolitan Police Department. These volunteers are assigned to departments within the Metropolitan Police Department based upon their skill sets.

Collegiate Internship Program

The MPD College Internship Program introduces students to aspects of law enforcement that enhance students’ understanding of the criminal justice system. In addition, students are introduced to the various career opportunities that await them should they decide to choose law enforcement as a career.

Nonprofit and Faith-Based Support Services

The OPGS Nonprofit Development Center is a part of a comprehensive approach to promote the growth and development of the District's ever more diverse and essential nonprofit service providers. OPGS also focuses its technical assistance and training services to enhance the sector's delivery of services to the District's growing immigrant communities.

OAG Pro Bono Program

The Office of the Attorney General offers recent law school graduates and experienced practitioners the opportunity to work as public interest fellows or pro bono attorneys. There are many other opportunities for experienced practitioners and recent law school graduates to provide pro bono service to the Office of the Attorney General on a full or part-time basis. A volunteer will usually be assigned to one of the Office’s divisions or sections or to one or two specific matters, reflecting both the interests of the volunteer and the needs of the Office.

Adopt-A-Block Program

Is there an area in your neighborhood that you would like to help keep clean? Why not "Adopt-A-Block" that could use some attention? You have an important role in preserving your neighborhood by allowing you and your families to take an active and visible role in cleaning and greening the District. The program allows participants to make a noticeable contribution to their communities.

The Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (OAPIA) needs volunteers, particularly bilingual or multi-lingual individuals. Throughout the year, it continuously organizes events focused on the District’s API community. Some of these events include the DiverseCity job fair, AAPI May Heritage Month Celebration, and AAPI Town Hall Meeting. Volunteers are crucial part to the success of these events.